14. Subway Surfers

13. Twitter

Twitter for iPhone

On top of its IPO, Twitter has launched a series of updates for the mobile app this year. Twitter's app has a deeper search which helps TV fans find shows that are trending or important people nearby. Twitter enhanced its messaging function to compete directly with Facebook. Ultimately, Twitter wanted its app to became an important tool for finding information and chatting with other members of the community.

11. Flashlight

App Store

Finding the flashlight app in the top 15 free apps was a little surprising. Apple's new iOS 7 update for iPhone has a built-in flashlight feature. But that didn't stop people from downloading this self-explanatory tool.

10. Despicable Me: Minion Rush

App Store

The best part of the "Despicable Me" films are the minions. Audiences love the misadventures of these little troublemakers, so it makes sense why this game has been so popular. The game is simple. Control the Minions and have them race through Gru's lab and other levels to get the best score. Plus, devoted fans of the movie won't be able to resist dressing up the characters as Santa.

8. Facebook

App Store

Facebook became more personal this year ,which may have been a factor for its rise on the charts. The app can now automatically play videos and edit posts after they appear on your page. Facebook profiles can now block certain content from Newsfeeds too.

7. Instagram

App Store

Instagram just introduced a new direct messaging feature that may have boosted its rankings. However, Instagram Direct has gotten criticism that it basically imitates Snapchat. While the video feature may not have been as popular as they may have hoped, Instagram is still a beloved service. No one is going to be able to resist uploading photos and altering their filters.

6. Snapchat

App Store

The disappearing photo messaging app gained a slew of new tools this year while users found a number of secret features. Snapchat incorporated "Stories" into the app, which essentially created timelines of collected snaps from a 24 hour period. Secret filters like drawing with a white crayon were found over the summer and added a new level of functionality for a basic service.

5. Google Maps

App Store

Google's acquisition of social mapping app Waze allowed for more traffic alerts to be installed on the travel app. It created a powerful social GPS that made it an essential travel app. Earlier this week, the Google Maps iOS app installed a Google Now like feature providing users with the ability to view flight and hotel reservations straight from the program.

2. YouTube

App Store

Nothing beats Youtube. The app still reigns supreme for watching videos. The iPhone and iPad versions recieved small updates this year including video quality adjustments and accessibility improvements for Wi-Fi connections.

1. Candy Crush Saga

App Store

After launching in November 2012, Candy Crush Saga has been downloaded over 500 million times and played over 150 billion times, according to USA Today. The app has attracted a large following due to its constant updates and continuous powerups added to the in-game store. The developers have filed for an IPO for 2014, which means that the game has a high chance of domination for next year too.